Car racing identity dies

Local racing identity Wayne Cullenane died earlier this week, leaving many in the tight knit motorsports community in shock.

Mr Cullenane was heavily involved in off-road, drag and speedway racing in town, and had several Territory speedway titles to his name as well as coming second in a national Streetstock title in the early nineties.

In later years he became more active in off-road racing, competing in numerous Finke Desert Races, including last year's event where he competed in the extreme 2WD section with navigator Daniel Bartels.

He was a supporter and member of many clubs in town including the Arunga Park Speedway Association, Alice Springs Off Road Racing Club and the Alice Springs Karting Club.

Robert Tucker, President of Arunga Park Speedway Association, says Mr Cullenane was known as 'Uncle Wayne' to junior members of the club.

"He offered financial support, transportation of vehicles and was a mentor to many of the junior members of the speedway club," he says.

"People are in shock."

Dan Hodgins, President of the Central Australian Drag Racing Association, says Wayne put a lot into maintaining the local track.

"He was very active in giving us his support wherever he could to better the track out there, to do improvements and bitumen works to make it a better facility for everyone," he says.